Certification

The preparation of teachers for the public schools in Texas is the responsibility of the entire Sam Houston State University community and the public school districts who are our partners in the Sam Houston Center for Professional Development and Educational Partnerships.

All teaching certificates are issued by the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) upon recommendation of the University and are subject to change by SBEC. This recommendation includes verified completion of an approved program in educator preparation and a statement affirming the academic, moral, and physical fitness of the individual for service as a teacher. Sam Houston State University regards this recommendation process as a serious responsibility. Therefore, a screening procedure has been initiated to provide a systematic appraisal of those who propose to become teachers. Screening is conducted through the Sam Houston Center for Professional Development and Educational Partnerships.

The paths to certification as a teacher are different depending upon the educational background and experience of the person seeking to become certified. The following sections describe various paths to certification and the steps involved in each path.

Path I: For a candidate seeking a bachelor’s degree to become certified to teach in grades EC-4 or 4-8 (EC stands for early childhood. In the public schools, this includes the prekindergarten and kindergarten programs)

Sam Houston State University is authorized to prepare and recommend individuals for the following Standard Elementary Certificates:

To be recommended for one of these Elementary Standard Certificates, the undergraduate candidate should proceed through the following steps.

Step A: File for an Official Degree Plan

The degree for certification of a teacher in grades EC-4 or 4-8 is either a Bachelor of Arts (BA) Degree or a Bachelor of Science (BS) Degree. The major is Academic Studies (ACS). An individual may specialize in content fields such as reading, math, social studies or science or in areas such as bilingual education, ESL, early childhood education and special education.

A. Requirements for Filing an Official Degree Plan

1. Must have completed a minimum of 30 semester hours with at least 6 semester hours completed in residence at Sam Houston State University
2. Must satisfy educator preparation program criteria related to the demonstration of college level skills in reading, written communication, and mathematics
3. Must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or greater on all college work attempted (SHSU and transfer work combined)
4. Must have a 2.5 GPA or greater in specialization
5. Must have completed ENG 164 and ENG 165 with a grade of C or better in each
6. Must have completed MTH 184 and MTH 185 with a grade of C or better in each

B. Process

1. Applications for degree plans are available on-line
2. Go to SAMINFO, Education Students, and then Degree Plan Application
3. Notice of approval or denial of the degree plan will appear on the screen

Step B: Admission to the Educator Preparation Program

In order to register for education coursework, an individual must seek admission to the educator preparation program. Similar to filing for an official degree plan, specific criteria is required for admission to candidacy to the educator preparation program.

Process:
1. Candidates submit the following to the Associate Dean, College of Education and Applied Science in TEC 213 in the Teacher Education Center:

1. Application form (available on shelve outside office 213 in the Teacher Education Center)
2. Transcript including all college work attempted
3. Copy of official degree plan
4. Form and fee for criminal history check (or documented results of criminal history check, two-year time limit)

2. Candidates must have “Pending Admission” status to enroll in required certification courses with include field experiences in PK-12 public schools.

Step C: Admission into the Literacy Block

The Literacy Block consists of two reading courses (RDG 370 and RDG 390) which are taught together. This Block should be taken the semester before the candidate plans to enroll in the Elementary Methods Block.

A. Requirements for Applying for the Literacy Block

1. Must have an Official Degree Plan
2. Must satisfy educator preparation program criteria related to the demonstration of college level skills in reading, oral communication, written communication, and mathematics
3. Must have regular admission to the Educator Preparation Program
4. Have a cumulative GPA (SHSU and transfer combined) of 2.4 or better
5. Completed ENG 164 and ENG 165 with a grade of C or better in each
6. Completed MTH 184 and MTH 185 with a grade of C or better in each
7. Completed EED 374 with a grade of C or better

In October and March, check the Language Literacy and Special Populations web page and/or the Language Literacy and Special Populations office (TEC 230) for dates and instructions on how to apply for the Literacy Block.

B. Process
Follow directions on the Language Literacy and Special Populations web page for instructions on how to apply for the Literacy Block.

1. Application for Literacy Block
2. Notice of approval or pending status will be e-mailed to the student’s e-mail account approximately one week after the application process closes.

Step D: Be Admitted to the Elementary Methods Block

The Elementary Methods Block consists of five classes (EED 434, EED 435, EED 436, EED 485, RDG 431) which are taught together. This Block should be taken the semester before the student plans to enroll in the Student Teaching Program.

A. Requirements for Admission to Elementary Methods

1. An undergraduate student must be admitted to the Educator Preparation Program
2. Must have completed all the academic foundation courses (66 hours), all the major academic support courses (15 hours), and at least 18 hours in your specialization
3. Must have completed MTH 184, MTH 185, and MTH 381 with a grade of C or better in each.
4. Must have completed ENG 164 and ENG 165 with a grade of C or better in each
5. Must have completed EED 374, SPD 231, LS 361 or LS 362, SCM 384, RDG 370 and RDG 390 with a grade of C or better in each course
6. Must have a cumulative (transfer and SHSU combined) GPA of 2.5 or greater
7. Must have a 2.5 GPA or greater in your specialization and a 2.5 or greater on all work completed at SHSU

B. Process for Admission

1. Applications for the elementary method block are available on-line.
2. Go to SAMINFO, Education Students, and then Elementary Methods Application
3. Notice of approval or pending status will appear on the screen
4. Two weeks after the close of the application process approved students will receive their assignments via the computer under SamInfo, Education Students, Elementary Methods Student Assignments. It is the student’s responsibility to register for the CID numbers given.
5. Students with pending status must submit in writing verification that they have met all conditions for approved status to the Department of Curriculum and Instruction Office (TEC 252) prior to the beginning of the semester for which they are applying. At that time they will be assigned methods sections.

Due Dates: Submit application by the last Friday of February if you plan to be in elementary methods in the fall semester and by the last Friday of September if you plan to be in elementary methods in the spring.

Step E: Admission to the Student Teaching Program

Student Teaching is intended to be the culminating experience in a student’s preparation to become a teacher. The candidate should enroll in Student Teaching the final semester of their preparation program.

A. Requirements for Admission to Student Teaching Program

1. Must have a cumulative GPA or 2.5 or greater on all college work attempted, including a grade of C or better in ENG 164, ENG 165, MTH 184, and MTH 185
2. Must have completed EED 374, SPD 231, EED 434, EED 435, EED 436, and required RDG courses with a 2.5 GPA or greater and with a grade of C or better in each course
3. Must have completed all required courses in Bilingual, Early Childhood and Special Education with a GPA of 2.5 or better and with a grade of C or better in each course (as appropriate)
4. Must be eligible for graduation in student teaching semester if student teaching in fall semester. Must be eligible for graduation by the following August if student teaching in the spring semester.

B. Process for Admission
Submit the following to the Coordinator of Field Experiences (Teacher Education Center, TEC 242):

1. Application for student teaching
2. Current transcript which includes all college work attempted

Due Dates: Submit application by the second Friday of February if you plan to be in student teaching in the fall semester and by the second Friday of September if you plan to be in student teaching in the spring.

Step F: Successful Completion Appropriate Certification Tests

In order to be recommended for certification, each student must demonstrate knowledge and skills in his/her content (what to teach) area and in pedagogy (how to teach). These exams are mandated by state law.

1. Requirement to take a Certification Exam
   Successful completion of all proficiency tests in the Elementary Methods Classes (EED 434, 435, 436 and RDG 431) and the Assessment and Legal Issues Class (EED 484)
2. Process for Application
   Candidates use the application provided by the testing company to register for the test. It is the candidate’s responsibility to be aware of registration deadlines and to correctly complete the registration form. The completed registration must be submitted to the Associate Dean, College of Education and Applied Science in office 213 in the Teacher Education Center. The eligibility bar code will be placed on the registration form and the form will be mailed.

Step G: Have either the BA or the BS Degree Conferred

The semester before a candidate intends to graduate, a student should apply to receive their degree. This application process is handled through the Registrar’s Office at Sam Houston State University.

Step H Have the Appropriate Standard Certificate Granted by the State Board
for Educator Certification

After the candidate has successfully completed student teaching, graduated and passed the appropriate certification exams (ExCET, TOPT or TExES), the candidate applies for his/her certificate. The candidate has to be recommended through the Sam Houston Center for Professional Development and Educational Partnerships to the State Board for Educator Certification.

A. Requirements for Certification

1. Completion of all course work required for degree and certification with:
   a. Overall GPA of 2.5 or greater
   b. GPA of 2.5 or greater and grade of C or better in all professional education courses
   c. Successful completion of student teaching requirements
2. Pass the certification tests required by the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC)

B. Process
Submit the following to the Certification Analyst (Teacher Education Center, TEC 213):

1. Application for Texas Teaching Certificate
2. Required fee in form of money order or cashier’s check made payable to
   State Board for Educator Certification
3. Transcript which indicates the degree has been granted and all work required for
   certification has been completed.

Note: Recommendations for certification are subject to Criminal Records check by the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC).

• Grade point averages for Admission, Retention, and Exit Requirements will be computed on exactly the same basis as designated under “Scholastic Requirements” in this catalogue.

• In accordance with Article 6252-13c, Texas Civil Statutes, the State Board for Educator Certification may suspend or revoke a teaching certificate, or refuse to issue a teaching certificate for a person who has been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor for a crime directly related to the duties and responsibilities of the teaching profession. All potential certificate applicants with criminal felony or misdemeanor convictions should contact the Associate Dean, College of Education and Applied Science when applying for the educator preparation program to seek clarification of their certification status.

• In addition to the requirements listed above, an applicant for a certificate must be of good moral character, be a citizen or be in the process of becoming a naturalized citizen of the United States, and believe in and uphold the Constitutions of the United States and the state of Texas.
  

CHANGES IN TEACHER CERTIFICATION

The specific type of standard certificate to be issued upon the completion of the undergraduate programs described in this catalogue will be those in effect at the time a student completes all the requirements for certification. Information regarding changes in requirements will be available in the appropriate department when they are adopted.

Path II: For a person who holds a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university and wishes to become certified to teach in grades EC-4 or 4-8. (EC stands for early childhood. In the public schools. This includes the prekindergarten and kindergarten programs).

Sam Houston State University provides programs to prepare and recommend individuals for the following Elementary Standard Certificates:

To be recommended for one of these Elementary Standard Certificates the post baccalaureate student should proceed through the following steps.

Step A: Have a Certification Plan Prepared
The post baccalaureate (PB) student should contact the Certification Analyst at Sam Houston State University to have his/her transcript analyzed and a certification plan prepared. The PB student should be prepared to specify which Standard certificate the PB student will be seeking. Also, the PB student must submit original copies of transcripts from each institution the PB student has attended at the time the request for the certification plan is made. The certification plan spells out for the PB student all the coursework that must be taken in order to be recommended for certification. The certification plan takes the place of the degree plan.

For PB students, education courses (EED courses) may be taken at either the undergraduate or the graduate level. On the certification plan, both the undergraduate coursework and the graduate coursework will be noted so the PB student can plan his/her schedule.

Step B: Be Admitted to the Educator Preparation Program
In order to register for education coursework, a PB student must seek admission to the educator preparation program. There are specific criteria to become admitted to the educator preparation program.

Process:

1. PB student submits the following to the Associate Dean, College of Education and Applied Science in office 213 in the Teacher Education Center:
   a. Application form (available on shelves outside office 213 in the Teacher Education Center)
   b. Copy of certification plan
   c. Form and fee for criminal history check or documented results of criminal history check (Two-year time limit)
2. Candidate must have at least “Pending Admission” status to enroll in required certification courses with include field experiences in PK-12 public schools.

    

Admission to Candidacy in the Educator Preparation Program
	Criteria	Pending Admission	Regular Admission
1.	Minimum hours – 32 semester hours with at least 6 hours in residence	Less than 6 hours in residence	Meets minimum of 32 semester hours with at least 6 hours in residence
2.	Minimum grade point average 2.5 overall GPA (includes transfer hours and SHSU hours)	Overall GPA less than 2.5	Meets 2.5 overall GPA (includes transfer hours and SHSU hours)
3.	Minimum grade point average in specialization – 2.5 GPA	GPA below 2.5 in specialization area or teaching field	Meets 2.5 GPA in specialization area or teaching field
4.	College Level Reading Skills	Scores below: GRE – 450 in Verbal	Scores at or above: GRE – 450 in Verbal
5.	College Level Skills in Oral Communication	No speech course taken or grade less than C in speech course	Grade of C or better in speech course
6.	College Level Skills in Written Communication	Scores below: GRE - 450 in Verbal	Scores at or above: GRE – 450 in Verbal
7.	College Level Skills in Mathematics	Scores below: GRE – 400 in Quantitative	Scores at or above: GRE – 400 in Quantitative
8.	Criminal History Check	Has non-felonious “hits” in criminal history that have not been resolved or removed	Criminal history check is clear
9.	Certification Plan	Paperwork has been submitted but certification plan is not complete	Official degree plan on file

Step C: Admission into the Literacy Block

The Literacy Block consists of two reading courses (RDG 370 and RDG 390) which are taught together. This Block should be taken the semester before the candidate plans to enroll in the Elementary Methods Block.

A. Requirements for Applying for the Literacy Block

1. Must have an Official Degree Plan
2. Must satisfy educator preparation program criteria related to the demonstration of college level skills in reading, oral communication, written communication, and mathematics
3. Must have regular admission to the Educator Preparation Program
4. Have a cumulative GPA (SHSU and transfer combined) of 2.4 or better
5. Completed ENG 164 and ENG 165 with a grade of C or better in each
6. Completed MTH 184 and MTH 185 with a grade of C or better in each
7. Completed EED 374 with a grade of C or better

In October and March, check the Language Literacy and Special Populations web page and/or the Language Literacy and Special Populations office (TEC 230) for dates and instructions on how to apply for the Literacy Block.

B. Process
Follow directions on the Language Literacy and Special Populations web page for instructions on how to apply for the Literacy Block.

1. Application for Literacy Block
2. Notice of approval or pending status will be e-mailed to the student’s e-mail account approximately one week after the application process closes.

Step D: Be Admitted to the Elementary Methods Block

The Elementary Methods Block consists of five classes (EED 434, EED 435, EED 436, EED 485, RDG 431) which are taught together. This Block should be taken the semester before the student plans to enroll in the Student Teaching Program.

A. Requirements for Admission to Elementary Methods

1. An undergraduate student must be admitted to the Educator Preparation Program
2. Must have completed all the academic foundation courses (66 hours), all the major academic support courses (15 hours), and at least 18 hours in your specialization
3. Must have completed MTH 184, MTH 185, and MTH 381 with a grade of C or better in each.
4. Must have completed ENG 164 and ENG 165 with a grade of C or better in each
5. Must have completed EED 374, SPD 231, LS 361 or LS 362, SCM 384, RDG 370 and RDG 390 with a grade of C or better in each course
6. Must have a cumulative (transfer and SHSU combined) GPA of 2.5 or greater
7. Must have a 2.5 GPA or greater in your specialization and a 2.5 or greater on all work completed at SHSU

B. Process for Admission

1. Applications for the elementary method block are available on-line.
2. Go to SAMINFO, Education Students, and then Elementary Methods Application
3. Notice of approval or pending status will appear on the screen
4. Two weeks after the close of the application process approved students will receive their assignments via the computer under SamInfo, Education Students, Elementary Methods Student Assignments. It is the student’s responsibility to register for the CID numbers given.
5. Students with pending status must submit in writing verification that they have met all conditions for approved status to the Department of Curriculum and Instruction Office (TEC 252) prior to the beginning of the semester for which they are applying. At that time they will be assigned methods sections.

Due Dates: Submit application by the last Friday of February if you plan to be in elementary methods in the fall semester and by the last Friday of September if you plan to be in elementary methods in the spring.

Step E: Admission to the Student Teaching Program

Student Teaching is intended to be the culminating experience in a student’s preparation to become a teacher. The candidate should enroll in Student Teaching the final semester of their preparation program.

A. Requirements for Admission to Student Teaching Program

1. Must have a cumulative GPA or 2.5 or greater on all college work attempted, including a grade of C or better in ENG 164, ENG 165, MTH 184, and MTH 185
2. Must have completed EED 374, SPD 231, EED 434, EED 435, EED 436, and required RDG courses with a 2.5 GPA or greater and with a grade of C or better in each course
3. Must have completed all required courses in Bilingual, Early Childhood and Special Education with a GPA of 2.5 or better and with a grade of C or better in each course (as appropriate)
4. Must be eligible for graduation in student teaching semester if student teaching in fall semester. Must be eligible for graduation by the following August if student teaching in the spring semester.

B. Process for Admission
Submit the following to the Coordinator of Field Experiences (Teacher Education Center, TEC 242):

1. Application for student teaching
2. Current transcript which includes all college work attempted

Due Dates: Submit application by the second Friday of February if you plan to be in student teaching in the fall semester and by the second Friday of September if you plan to be in student teaching in the spring.

Step F: Successful Completion Appropriate Certification Tests

In order to be recommended for certification, each student must demonstrate knowledge and skills in his/her content (what to teach) area and in pedagogy (how to teach). These exams are mandated by state law.

1. Requirement to take a Certification Exam
   Successful completion of all proficiency tests in the Elementary Methods Classes (EED 434, 435, 436 and RDG 431) and the Assessment and Legal Issues Class (EED 484)
2. Process for Application
   Candidates use the application provided by the testing company to register for the test. It is the candidate’s responsibility to be aware of registration deadlines and to correctly complete the registration form. The completed registration must be submitted to the Associate Dean, College of Education and Applied Science in office 213 in the Teacher Education Center. The eligibility bar code will be placed on the registration form and the form will be mailed.

Step G: Have either the BA or the BS Degree Conferred

The semester before a candidate intends to graduate, a student should apply to receive their degree. This application process is handled through the Registrar’s Office at Sam Houston State University.

Step H: Have the Appropriate Standard Certificate Granted by the State Board
for Educator Certification

After the candidate has successfully completed student teaching, graduated and passed the appropriate certification exams (ExCET, TOPT or TExES), the candidate applies for his/her certificate. The candidate has to be recommended through the Sam Houston Center for Professional Development and Educational Partnerships to the State Board for Educator Certification.

A. Requirements for Certification

1. Completion of all course work required for degree and certification with:
   a. Overall GPA of 2.5 or greater
   b. GPA of 2.5 or greater and grade of C or better in all professional education courses
   c. Successful completion of student teaching requirements
2. Pass the certification tests required by the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC)

B. Process
Submit the following to the Certification Analyst (Teacher Education Center, TEC 213):

1. Application for Texas Teaching Certificate
2. Required fee in form of money order or cashier’s check made payable to
   State Board for Educator Certification
3. Transcript which indicates the degree has been granted and all work required for
   certification has been completed.

Note: Recommendations for certification are subject to Criminal Records check by the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC).

• Grade point averages for Admission, Retention, and Exit Requirements will be computed on exactly the same basis as designated under “Scholastic Requirements” in this catalogue.

• In accordance with Article 6252-13c, Texas Civil Statutes, the State Board for Educator Certification may suspend or revoke a teaching certificate, or refuse to issue a teaching certificate for a person who has been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor for a crime directly related to the duties and responsibilities of the teaching profession. All potential certificate applicants with criminal felony or misdemeanor convictions should contact the Associate Dean, College of Education and Applied Science when applying for the educator preparation program to seek clarification of their certification status.

• In addition to the requirements listed above, an applicant for a certificate must be of good moral character, be a citizen or be in the process of becoming a naturalized citizen of the United States, and believe in and uphold the Constitutions of the United States and the state of Texas.

CHANGES IN TEACHER CERTIFICATION

The specific type of standard certificate to be issued upon the completion of the undergraduate programs described in this catalogue will be those in effect at the time a student completes all the requirements for certification. Information regarding changes in requirements will be available in the appropriate department when they are adopted.

Path II: For a person who holds a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university and wishes to become certified to teach in grades EC-4 or 4-8. (EC stands for early childhood. In the public schools. This includes the prekindergarten and kindergarten programs).

Sam Houston State University provides programs to prepare and recommend individuals for the following Elementary Standard Certificates:

To be recommended for one of these Elementary Standard Certificates the post baccalaureate student should proceed through the following steps.

Step A: Have a Certification Plan Prepared

The post baccalaureate (PB) student should contact the Certification Analyst at Sam Houston State University to have his/her transcript analyzed and a certification plan prepared. The PB student should be prepared to specify which Standard certificate the PB student will be seeking. Also, the PB student must submit original copies of transcripts from each institution the PB student has attended at the time the request for the certification plan is made. The certification plan spells out for the PB student all the coursework that must be taken in order to be recommended for certification. The certification plan takes the place of the degree plan.

For PB students, education courses (EED courses) may be taken at either the undergraduate or the graduate level. On the certification plan, both the undergraduate coursework and the graduate coursework will be noted so the PB student can plan his/her schedule.

Step B: Be Admitted to the Educator Preparation Program

In order to register for education coursework, a PB student must seek admission to the educator preparation program. There are specific criteria to become admitted to the educator preparation program.

Process:
1. PB student submits the following to the Associate Dean, College of Education and Applied Science in office 213 in the Teacher Education Center:

1. Application form (available on shelves outside office 213 in the Teacher Education Center)
2. Copy of certification plan
3. Form and fee for criminal history check or documented results of criminal history check (Two-year time limit)

2. Candidate must have at least “Pending Admission” status to enroll in required certification courses with include field experiences in PK-12 public schools.

If the PB student chooses to complete the education coursework listed on the certification plan through the undergraduate courses, the PB student would complete Steps C, D, E, F, and H as described for Path I.

If the PB student chooses to complete the education coursework listed on the certification plan through the graduate courses, the PB student should see the Graduate Advisor for the Elementary Education Program to plan a schedule of classes and the internship experience. The PB student would also complete Steps F and H as described for Path I.

Note: Recommendations for certification are subject to Criminal Records check by the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC).

Grade point averages for Admission, Retention, and Exit Requirements will be computed on exactly the same basis as designated under “Scholastic Requirements” in this catalogue.

In accordance with Article 6252-13c, Texas Civil Statutes, the State Board for Educator Certification may suspend or revoke a teaching certificate, or refuse to issue a teaching certificate for a person who has been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor for a crime directly related to the duties and responsibilities of the teaching profession. All potential certificate applicants with criminal felony or misdemeanor convictions should contact the Associate Dean, College of Education and Applied Science when applying for the educator preparation program to seek clarification of their certification status.

In addition to the requirements listed above, an applicant for a certificate must be of good moral character, be a citizen or be in the process of becoming a naturalized citizen of the United States, and believe in and uphold the Constitutions of the United States and the state of Texas.

CHANGES IN TEACHER CERTIFICATION

The specific type of standard certificate to be issued upon the completion of the undergraduate programs described in this catalogue will be those in effect at the time a student completes all the requirements for certification. Information regarding changes in requirements will be available in the appropriate department when they are adopted.

Path III: For a person seeking a bachelor’s degree to become certified to teach
in grades 8-12.

Sam Houston State University is authorized to prepare and recommend individuals for the following Secondary Standard certificates:

To be recommended for one of these Secondary Standard Certificates, the undergraduate student should proceed through the following steps.

Step A: File for an Official Degree Plan
The degree for certification as a teacher in grades 8-12 is either a Bachelor of Arts (BA) Degree or a Bachelor of Science (BS) Degree. The major is the content area the person intends to teach. For example, a person who intends to teach History would major in History. The minor on the degree plan is Secondary Education.

A. Requirements for Filing an Official Degree Plan

1. Student becomes well established within the major, but not later than the beginning of the sophomore year
2. At least 6 semester hours completed in residence at Sam Houston State University

B. Process
An official degree plan must be established by the student seeking to become certified as a secondary school teacher through the major department, the minor department and the office of the academic dean of the major.

Step B: Be Admitted to the Educator Preparation Program
In order to register for secondary education coursework, an individual must seek admission to the educator preparation program. Similar to filing for an official degree plan, there are specific criteria to become admitted to the educator preparation program.

A. Process

1. Student submit the following to the Associate Dean, College of Education and Applied Science in office 213 in the Teacher Education Center:

1. Application form (available on shelves outside office 213 in the Teacher Education Center)
2. Transcript which includes all college work attempted
3. Copy of official degree plan
4. Form and fee for criminal history check or documented results of criminal history check (Two-year time limit)

2. Student must have at least “Pending Admission” status to enroll in required certification courses which include field experiences in PK-12 public schools.

Step C: Complete Pre-requisites to Secondary Methods Block
Two courses, SED 374 – Human Growth and Learning and SED 383 – Measurement and Media Techniques, are prerequisites to the Secondary Methods Block. These two courses should be taken the same semester, which should be the semester just prior to taking the Secondary Methods Block. The student must earn at least a 2.5 grade point average in these courses in order to be eligible for the Secondary Methods Block.

Step D: Be Admitted to the Secondary Methods Block
The Secondary Methods Block consists of three classes (SED 464, 394 and RDG 392) which are taught together. This Block should be taken the semester before the student plans to enroll in the Student Teaching Program.

A. Requirements for Admission to Secondary Methods

1. 1. An undergraduate student must be admitted to the Educator Preparation Program
2. Must have a cumulative (SHSU and transfer combined) GPA of 2.5 or greater
3. Must have a 2.5 or greater in both the major and the minor
4. Must have completed SED 374 and SED 383 with a C or better in each course and GPA of 2.5 for both courses

B. Process for Admission
Submit the following to the Coordinator of Secondary Education (Teacher Education Center, TEC 252):

1. Application for secondary methods
2. Copy of degree plan
3. Transcript which includes all college work attempted
4. Acceptance letter from Educator Preparation Program

Due Dates: Submit application by the last Friday in February if you plan to be in secondary methods in the fall semester and by the last Friday in September if you plan to be in secondary methods in the spring.

Step E: Be Admitted to the Student Teaching Program
Student Teaching is intended to be the culminating experience in a student’s preparation to become a teacher. The student should enroll in Student Teaching the final semester of their preparation program.

A. Requirements for Admission to Student Teaching Program

1. Must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or greater on all college work attempted, including a grade of C or better in ENG 164, ENG 165
2. Must have completed SED 374, SED 383, RDG 392, SED 394, SED 464 with a 2.5 GPA or greater and with a grade of C or better in each course
3. Must have completed at least 18 semester hours of teaching field with 2.5 GPA or greater
4. Must be eligible for graduation in student teaching semester if student teaching in fall semester; must be eligible for graduation by the following August if student teaching in the spring semester

B. Process for Admission
Submit the following to the Coordinator of Field Experience (Teacher Education Center, TEC 241):

1. Application for student teaching
2. Current transcript which includes all college work attempted

Due Dates: Submit application by the second Friday in February for student teaching in the fall semester and by the second Friday in September for student teaching in the spring semester.

Step F: Successfully Complete Appropriate Certification Tests
In order to be recommended for certification, each student must demonstrate knowledge and skill in his/her content area and in pedagogy. These exams are mandated by state law.

A. Requirements to Take a Certification Exam

1. Must have permission of major advisor to take the Certification Exam in the content field
2. Must have successfully completed the proficiency test for the pedagogy exam in the Responsibilities of the Professional Educator class (SED 480)

B. Process for Application
Students use the application provided by the testing company to register for the test. It is the student’s responsibility to be aware of registration deadlines and to correctly complete the registration form. The completed registration must be submitted to the Associate Dean, College of Education and Applied Science in office 213 in the Teacher Education Center. The eligibility bar code will be placed on the registration form and the form will be mailed.

Step G: Have either the BA or the BS Degree Conferred

The semester before a student intends to graduate, a student should apply to receive their degree. This application process is handled through the Registrar’s Office at Sam Houston State University.

Step H: Have the Appropriate Standard Certificate Granted by the State Board for Educator Certification

After the student has successful completed student teaching, graduated and passed the appropriate certification exams (ExCET, TOPT or TExES), the student applies for his/her certificate. The student has to be recommended through the Sam Houston Center for Professional Development and Educational Partnerships to the State Board for Educator Certification.

A. Requirements for Certification

1. Completion of all course work required for degree and certification with:

a. Overall GPA of 2.5 or greater
b. Must have a GPA of 2.5 and grade of C or better in professional
education courses
c. Successful completion of student teaching requirements

2. Pass the certification tests required by the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC)

B. Process for Application
Submit the following to the Certification Analyst (Teacher Education Center, TEC 213):

1. Application for Texas Teaching Certificate
2. Required fee in form of money order or cashier’s check made payable to
State Board for Educator Certification
3. Transcript which indicates the degree has been granted and all work required for
certification has been completed

Note: Recommendations for certification are subject to Criminal Records check by the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC).

Grade point averages for Admission, Retention, and Exit Requirements will be computed on exactly the same basis as designated under “Scholastic Requirements” in this catalogue.

In accordance with Article 6252-13c, Texas Civil Statutes, the State Board for Educator Certification may suspend or revoke a teaching certificate, or refuse to issue a teaching certificate for a person who has been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor for a crime directly related to the duties and responsibilities of the teaching profession. All potential certificate applicants with criminal felony or misdemeanor convictions should contact the Associate Dean, College of Education and Applied Science when applying for the educator preparation program to seek clarification of their certification status.

In addition to the requirements listed above, an applicant for a certificate must be of good moral character, be a citizen or be in the process of becoming a naturalized citizen of the United States, and believe in and uphold the Constitutions of the United States and the state of Texas.

CHANGES IN TEACHER CERTIFICATION

The specific type of standard certificate to be issued upon the completion of the undergraduate programs described in this catalogue will be those in effect at the time a student completes all the requirements for certification. Information regarding changes in requirements will be available in the appropriate department when they are adopted.

Path IV: For a person who holds a bachelor’s degree from an accredited
university and wishes to become certified to teach in grades 8-12.

Sam Houston State University is authorized to prepare and recommend individuals for the following Secondary Standard Certificates:

Secondary Art, Business Basic, Computer Information Science, Dance, French, German, Health Education, Industrial Technology, Music, Physical Education, Spanish, Theatre Arts, Vocational Agriculture: Production, Vocational Home Economics

To be recommended for one of these Secondary Standard Certificates, the post baccalaureate student should proceed through the following steps.

Step A: Have a Certification Plan Prepared
The post baccalaureate (PB) student should contact the Certification Analyst at Sam Houston State University to have his/her transcript analyzed and a certification plan prepared. The PB student should be prepared to specify which Standard certificate the PB student will be seeking. Also, the PB student must submit original copies of transcripts from each institution the PB student has attended at the time the request for the certification plan is made. The certification plan spells out for the PB student all the coursework that must be taken in order to be recommended for certification. The certification plan takes the place of the degree plan.

For PB students, education courses (SED courses) may be taken at either the undergraduate or the graduate level. On the certification plan, both the undergraduate coursework and the graduate coursework will be noted so the PB student can plan his/her schedule.

Step B: Be Admitted to the Educator Preparation Program
In order to register for secondary education coursework, an individual must seek admission to the educator preparation program. Similar to filing for an official degree plan, there are specific criteria to become admitted to the educator preparation program.

A. Process

1. Student submit the following to the Associate Dean, College of Education and Applied Science in office 213 in the Teacher Education Center:

a. Application form (available on shelves outside office 213 in the Teacher Education Center)
b. Transcript which includes all college work attempted
c. Copy of certification plan
d. Form and fee for criminal history check or documented results of criminal history check (Two-year time limit)

2. Candidate must have at least “Pending Admission” status to enroll in required certification courses which include field experiences in PK-12 public schools.

If the PB candidate chooses to complete the education coursework listed on the certification plan through the undergraduate courses, the PB candidate seeking All Level Certification in content areas would complete steps C,D,E,F and H as described in Path V. The PB candidate who intends to teach special education children would complete steps C-H as described in Path I.

If the PB candidate chooses to complete the education coursework listed on the certification plan through the graduate courses, the PB candidate should see the Graduate Advisor for the Secondary Education Program to plan a schedule of classes and the internship (for content area all level certification) or the Graduate Advisor for the Education Program to plan a schedule of classes and the internship (for people who intend to teach special education children).